A multi-component intervention (NEXpro) reduces neck pain: a randomized controlled trial among Swiss office workers

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 12-week multi-component intervention on neck pain among Swiss office workers. Methods: Between January 2020 and April 2021, we conducted a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial involving 120 office workers (18−65 years) without severe neck problems from two Swiss companies. Participants started in the control condition and sequentially transitioned to the intervention condition by their cluster. The 12-week intervention included neck exercises, health-promotion workshops, and workplace ergonomics. Neck pain was assessed by intensity [numeric rating scale (NRS) 0=no pain, 10=maximum pain], frequency (days with neck pain in the past 28 days), and disability [Neck Disability Index (NDI) 0%=no disability, 100%=maximum disability). Mixed-effects models were used to assess the intervention’s effect on neck pain intensity, frequency, and disability. Results: This analysis includes 517 observations (295 control, 222 intervention). At baseline, the mean age was 43.7 years [standard deviation years (SD) 9.8], and 71.7% were female. The average neck pain intensity was NRS 2.4 (SD 2.0), frequency 6.8 days (SD 8.0), and disability 11.8% (SD 9.9). A statistically significant effect favoring the multi-component intervention was found for neck pain frequency, with a marginal predicted mean reduction of 1.55 days [95% confidence interval (CI) -2.84−-0.26], and neck disability, with a marginal predicted mean reduction of NDI 2.23% (95% CI -2.96−-1.68). Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of a 12-week multi-component intervention in reducing neck pain among office workers. Specifically, office workers experienced neck pain less frequently and with a milder impact on daily activities. Further research is needed to investigate long-term effects.